Avocado Mango Salad with Arugula, Pine Nuts, and Honey-Lime Dressing

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Introduction

The Avocado Mango Salad with Arugula, Pine Nuts, and Honey-Lime Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or even a starter for a more elaborate meal. The creamy avocados, sweet mangoes, and peppery arugula are complemented by the crunchy pine nuts and the tangy-sweet honey-lime dressing. Not only is this salad delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cups arugula
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

For the Honey-Lime Dressing:

  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until the honey dissolves completely. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts

Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them as pine nuts can toast very quickly. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, start by laying down the arugula as the base. Arrange the sliced avocados and mangoes attractively over the arugula, alternating the slices to create a visually appealing pattern. This layering not only looks beautiful but also ensures that each bite has a mix of flavors.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Drizzle the honey-lime dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. This will keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant. Make sure to coat the arugula, avocados, and mangoes well with the dressing to infuse every bite with its tangy sweetness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of the salad for a delightful crunch. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an additional layer of fresh, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its best.

Cooking Note

  • Avocado Ripeness: Make sure your avocados are ripe but firm. Overripe avocados can be mushy and less visually appealing in the salad.
  • Mango Selection: Use ripe but slightly firm mangoes to ensure they hold their shape when sliced and mixed with the salad.
  • Pine Nuts: Keep a close eye on the pine nuts while toasting, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.

Serving Suggestions

This Avocado Mango Salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:

  • Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete and balanced meal.
  • Light Lunch: Enjoy as a light and refreshing lunch on its own or with a slice of crusty bread.
  • Appetizer: Serve in smaller portions as an appetizer to start a meal with a burst of fresh flavors.

Tips

  1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and toast the pine nuts ahead of time. Keep the dressing in a sealed container in the fridge and the pine nuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
  2. Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
  3. Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.
  4. Extra Dressing: Double the dressing recipe if you like your salads more heavily dressed or if you want extra dressing for other salads during the week.

Prep Time

  • 15 minutes

Cooking Time

  • 5 minutes (to toast pine nuts)

Total Time

  • 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 5 grams
  • Sodium: 150 milligrams

Conclusion

The Avocado Mango Salad with Arugula, Pine Nuts, and Honey-Lime Dressing is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy avocado, sweet mango, peppery arugula, and crunchy pine nuts, all brought together by a tangy-sweet dressing, makes for a salad that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you are looking for a light meal or a vibrant side dish, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family, and savor the fresh, bright flavors of every bite.

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